The tilapia fish has a history that dates back to the time of ancient Egypt. Also known as “the wonder fish”, the tilapia thrives in freshwater, saltwater and brackish water. Its diet consists of algae, and since it is not carnivorous, makes for a healthier food alternative for humans.

And while you may not find the Wyoming Women's Center (WCC) inmates dining on this bass-look-a-like, they have joined a growing national trend of farming them.  

WCC inmates will maintain 56 tanks of large African and Near Eastern fish at a new 10,000 square foot aquaculture facility which will be opened in fall 2006 on the prison grounds.

“There are no other tilapia fish farms in Wyoming. It's a great niche market for the WDOC because there's a need for the fish we will be growing,” says Billy Carter, state correctional industries manager for the Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC), which is the only Wyoming prison for adult female felons. “Tilapia grow quickly, and it's something that our prison could operate.”

Tilapia start out as fingerlings, essentially baby fish, and grow mature in nine months, which is quick compared to other fish, to a one to two pound fish. Once fully grown, the WDOC will sell them to local food chains.

“We're expecting to grow about 95,000 pounds of fish,” says Carter. “We're anticipating that the tilapia will be sold for about $1.40 per pound.”

With estimated yearly profits reaching $133,000, Carter says officials and offenders alike are looking forward to the opening of the fish farming facility.

“They are pretty excited about this opportunity,” says Carter. “And because this is something out prison can operate, it benefits the WDOC, so it's a win-win for everyone involved.”

Fish training

When the aquaculture facility opens the WDOC plans to employ 12 to 15 inmates.

“There will be a screening process,” explains Carter. “We will expect that the inmates have participated in GED programs or have a high school diploma. They must have proven work skills in other traditional jobs. We will pick the highest quality inmates for these jobs.”

After training sessions, offenders will benefit from a higher wage compared to other inmate positions. Offenders will also have a chance to move up the ranks at the aquaculture facility as management positions become available.

“At typical jobs at the WDOC, like janitorial positions, offenders will earn anywhere from $30 to $90 per month. At the aquaculture facility, we anticipate that inmates will earn anywhere from $50 to $60 per month. It's a pretty great salary for our inmates,” says Carter.

He says the fish farm will provide diverse jobs as well. Some offenders will feed the fish and maintain the water temperature, while others will clean the tanks.

According to Carter, the aquaculture jobs might offer more than just money to female inmates.

“Being part of a process where the women make sure the fish progress and watch them grow will be rewarding in itself,” he says.

Acquiring aquaculture

According to Melinda Brazzle, Public Information Officer for the WDOC, the state's renewed focus on prison industries inspired the idea behind the tilapia fish farm. The WDOC currently has a mushroom farm that employs inmates, but officials wanted to add another work option for female offenders.

So, the WDOC contracted a Colorado architect who designed the space for the tanks and additional areas for upkeep and maintenance.

“The consultants from Colorado will do the installation of the tanks and the testing of the system, and get the system up and operational. They will provide training manuals for the staff and do further consultation with us to make sure we can totally operate the system,” says Carter. 

Brazzle says the fish farm is a perfect support system for what the WDOC is trying to accomplish with inmates.   

“The women will actually go through a hiring process. So it will be great practice for them in terms of applying for jobs,” says Brazzle.

As the WDOC moves forward with fish farming, officials are building an appetite for the fresh opportunities that the aquaculture center will provide as the inmates ready for a new work experience.